[Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners]

[dateline] Versailles July 15.1778.

Among the English Prisoners detained at Belle Isle, Gentlemen, and proceeding from
Vessells detained in the Ports of France, are found the Persons named James Niggins
and John Selby, who call themselves Americans, the first of Charlestown in South Carolina,
and the other of Baltimore in Maryland: They demand their Liberty, and { 162 } the means of returning home. According to their declaration, they made heretofore
a part of the Crew of the Ship Hancock, arrived from America at the Port of Nantes,
in the month of December last, and that Ship having sailed from that Port to return
to Charlestown, was taken, at thirty Leagues from Belle Isle by an English Privateer
and carried to Falmouth, where to avoid the Press, they consented to remain, on board
the Englishman who had made them Prisoners. I pray you to signify to me, whether these
Men are known to you, whether you consider them as belonging to the United States
of America, whether they have made, or caused to be made any representation to you,
and whether you consider them, as entitled, to obtain their demand. I have the honour
to be, with the most perfect Consideration, Gentlemen, your very humble and most obedient
Servant

[signed] De Sartine

[addrLine] Messrs. Franklin Lee and Adams Deputys of the United States of America.